Watch Thousands of Dogs Run Free in This Magical Sanctuary

Nestled in the mountains of Costa Rica, the Territorio de Zaguates no-kill dog shelter is heaven on earth for more than 1,000 rescued stray dogs. Founders Lya Battle and her husband Alvaro Saumet have been taking in strays from the streets of San José for more than a decade. Upon arriving at the sanctuary, each animal receives its own name and has free reign to roam over 378 acres of lush tropical land.

In Land of the Strays by filmmaker Adrian Cicerone, see what drives the passionate woman behind this canine oasis and hear her story of rescue and redemption.

To see more of Territorio de Zaguates, check out this National Geographic photo story with British photographer Dan Giannopoulos.

The Short Film Showcase spotlights exceptional short videos created by filmmakers from around the world and selected by National Geographic editors. We look for work that affirms National Geographic's belief in the power of science, exploration, and storytelling to change the world. To submit a film for consideration, please email sfs@natgeo.com. The filmmakers created the content presented, and the opinions expressed are their own, not those of National Geographic Partners.

Watch Thousands of Dogs Run Free in This Magical Sanctuary

Nestled in the mountains of Costa Rica, the Territorio de Zaguates no-kill dog shelter is heaven on earth for more than 1,000 rescued stray dogs. Founders Lya Battle and her husband Alvaro Saumet have been taking in strays from the streets of San José for more than a decade. Upon arriving at the sanctuary, each animal receives its own name and has free reign to roam over 378 acres of lush tropical land.

In Land of the Strays by filmmaker Adrian Cicerone, see what drives the passionate woman behind this canine oasis and hear her story of rescue and redemption.

To see more of Territorio de Zaguates, check out this National Geographic photo story with British photographer Dan Giannopoulos.

The Short Film Showcase spotlights exceptional short videos created by filmmakers from around the world and selected by National Geographic editors. We look for work that affirms National Geographic's belief in the power of science, exploration, and storytelling to change the world. To submit a film for consideration, please email sfs@natgeo.com. The filmmakers created the content presented, and the opinions expressed are their own, not those of National Geographic Partners.